Eye of the Storm Leadership: The Art and Politics of Managing Human Conflicts

“Humans feel excitement when they are involved in conflict. We couldn’t have gotten where we are without it. So, when we set out to resolve a conflict we are asking folks to give up something they love and may even be addicted to. We ask them to forgo the excitement in exchange for stability and security –- nice indeed, but boring. Adler offers a large tool kit for that task. I liken it to a cookbook. Read it in bites. Adjust seasonings to taste.” - George Stranahan - Physicist, Rancher, Distiller and Producer of “Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey”“Peter Adler ‘Leaders without stories are like food without flavor.’ This is a book of delicious stories. The book leaves the reader with hope, optimism and the belief that problem-solvers in groups and communities really CAN bring about positive change.” - Susan Chandler, Ph.D., Director - Institute for Public Policy, University of Hawaii“Eye-of-the-Storm Leadership by Peter Adler is an anthology of insight that can serve as a beacon in our turbulent times. It identifies the key tenets that shape a great society and provides provocative thoughts to help us rehabilitate our greatness” - Keith A. Wheeler, President - Foundation for Our Future“Democracy requires us to bring different people together to solve problems and achieve a common vision. Adler’s book gives us practical and inspirational tools for doing this. This is must-reading for elected and appointed leaders in the public sector.” – The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Governor – State of Kansas“Eye of the Storm Leadership is a beautiful book that creeps up on you. I read it in Islamabad, Pakistan where new approaches to conflict resolution and peace-creating are direly needed. They are needed all over the world, but in the high conflict situation that is Pakistan today, this book gives us wise counsel. There are case studies and wise sayings and behind it all, a clear methodology and theory of peace making. Adler’s words can help us through the challenging times ahead.” - Sohail Inayatullah, Professor of Futures Studies - International Management Centres Association and Fellow, World Futures Studies Federation."Governance systems are in need of some serious change if we are to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. This handbook provides some food for thought as we embark on a new phase of our democracy." - The Honorable John Kitzhaber, Physician, Former President of the Senate, and Former Governor – State of Oregon, 1995 to 1999.“A wise and insightful book that entertains, empowers, and amuses. I recommend clearing a space on your desk and consulting it twice daily.” - Tania Sourdin, Professor of Conflict Resolution, Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Queensland“Provocative and challenging, Peter Adler's "Eye of the Storm" utilizes everyday situations and international crisises to stimulate our thinking and to explore new ways of creating resolution. Each of the 15 chapters (including Guerilla Bridge Building, Turbo-Charging Negotiation, Working Together and Artful Communication) is broken down into 10 sections with stories, quotes, and exercises which push us, encourage us, and occasionally chastise us to look beyond our complacency and demand the very best of ourselves as conflict resolvers. To quote ‘Strap on your seatbelts.’ He takes you on a ride you have never taken before.” - Nina Meierding, MS, JD - Mediator and Trainer. Founding Member and Past President of the Ventura Center for Dispute Settlement“Peter Adler understands the crazy, messy, inspiring process that is democracy.